Ukraine proposes a new round of talks with Russia by the end of June – What was agreed

Ukraine has suggested a new round of negotiations with Russia by the end of June in an effort to revive discussions aimed at ending the ongoing war, which has now spanned three years.

“We propose to the Russian side to hold a meeting between 20 and 30 June,” stated Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov following talks in Constantinople today. He emphasized that both countries should seek to arrange a direct meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, something the Ukrainian president requested last month without receiving any response from the Kremlin.

During today’s discussions, the Russian team was again led by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, who heads Moscow’s negotiating efforts.

After the talks concluded, Ukrainian negotiator Sergiy Kislytsia reported that Russia had once more turned down Kyiv’s call for an unconditional ceasefire. He noted, “The Russian side continued to reject the proposal for an unconditional ceasefire,” asserting that Moscow believes such agreements allow Ukraine time to regroup and resupply while Russian forces maintain their advances.

Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, revealed that Moscow had proposed a short-term ceasefire lasting two to three days in designated areas and provided the Ukrainian delegation with a detailed memorandum outlining Russia’s proposals for a full ceasefire. According to Medinsky, the document contains specific measures to facilitate a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, which Kyiv is expected to review in the coming days.

Prisoner and Fallen Soldier Exchanges

Despite the political stalemate, there was progress on humanitarian matters. Both sides agreed on the exchange of seriously wounded prisoners of war, as well as the procedures for repatriating the bodies of fallen soldiers.

“Human life is of utmost importance, and if these meetings enable the return of even a few individuals, they are worthwhile,” stated a Ukrainian official, noting that the exact number of those involved remains undetermined.

Medinsky also reported that Russia intends to transfer over 6,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers within the week, likening the outcomes of this round of talks to those of the previous month.

“Commitment to Peace”

Ukrainian officials indicated that they could not respond to the Russian proposals as the memo was only received during today’s meeting. Nevertheless, they stressed their openness to dialogue despite lacking prior knowledge of Moscow’s demands.

“We want to reiterate that Ukraine is committed to constructive dialogue and peace, and that is why we are here,” a spokesperson for the Ukrainian delegation remarked.